Written by Eline Sanders, Specialisterne Denmark
Most employees look forward to holiday get-togethers as a way to unwind. But for many neurodivergent colleagues, social obligations in December can be more stressful than pleasant.
But how come? The holiday season can easily become taxing for neurodivergent people. It is filled with breaks in routine and many social obligations.
However, this added stress can easily be mitigated.
What can you and your company do to create a less stressful holiday season – for everyone?
Read on for good advice – it is actually quite simple!
Make holiday events neurodivergent-friendly
Most companies have holiday traditions. For many employees, it’s an opportunity to break out of the mold and get to know their colleagues in an informal setting. However, for many neurodivergent people, this is precisely what can be challenging!
Plan flexible parties
While a holiday party in a noisy setting with loud music and drinks sounds exciting for some, it can be quite overwhelming for some people. The solution: plan events in ways that accommodate everyone. For instance, you can plan two events: one in the afternoon set at the workplace, and a second one that is more of a traditional party. Or you can organize the holiday festivities in stages. Starting off quietly, then, as the evening progresses, to a livelier event. That way, people can leave when their social batteries drain without missing out on the whole thing altogether.
Include neurodivergent individuals in the planning
An easy way of making sure the holiday events are neurodivergent-friendly is to invite neurodivergent employees to help plan the company’s holiday events. They can help uncover overlooked aspects of party planning.
Make holiday events sensory-friendly
A holiday party can challenge neurodivergent people with sensory differences: loud music, lots of people talking, and unfamiliar food can be overwhelming. Consider ways to make holiday events more sensory-friendly by lowering the noise level, offering flexibility regarding food, and so on. Many neurodivergent individuals are selective eaters, and not being able to eat the same food as others can be a significant barrier to participating. It can be incredibly helpful if it is made socially acceptable to bring your own food or to get something else to eat.
Align expectations for social events
In many workplaces, it is considered a social faux pas to not participate in social events. But for many neurodivergent individuals, social events – especially big parties – are overwhelming. As a workplace, it is a good idea to reconsider the notion that everyone has to participate in social events. Use this as an opportunity for your company to consider the expectations around employee participation in social events.
Make holiday events more predictable
Most people do not put much thought into the food served at workplace events, what the venue looks like, or how to get there. But for many neurodivergent people, uncertainty can be a major challenge. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: describe these details when inviting your colleagues to the event. It makes a huge difference!
December can be a stressful time – be flexible and understanding
For many, December is not just a time for family time and gifts – many find it a stressful month: Many people have to arrange and participate in various events with family, at work, and at their children’s schools, and that can be a lot of work. This is true whether you are neurodivergent or not. For neurodivergent individuals, however, the many changes in routine and social obligations can be “the straw that breaks the camel’s back.”
Consider taking steps to take good care of your colleagues during the holiday season to mitigate this.
You can do this by showing extra flexibility and understanding during the holiday season. For example, by offering:
- Flexible workdays and hours, such as the option to work from home or adjust working hours during the holiday season.
- Predictability and communication regarding social events, expectations about when and how to take vacation time, changes to work routines and hours, etc.
- Openness and support from HR and leadership to ensure employees can express their needs. This way, stress can often be prevented.
The measures we suggest here may be necessary for neurodivergent individuals, but they are actually beneficial for all employees. They create a more flexible, inclusive, and productive culture for the entire team. With the right framework and openness from all parties, we can enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the holidays in ways that are enjoyable for everyone.
Specialisterne wishes everyone a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!
Recent Comments